A criminal complaint said the 37-year-old Howell responded to a burglary report at a Milwaukee convenience store in late November. The store owner showed Howell a drawer of cash that the burglar had bypassed.

The complaint said Howell returned to the drawer alone a few minutes later, put some cash in his pocket and walked out. Prosecutors said the theft was captured on store surveillance video.

The complaint quotes Howell as acknowledging he took about $200 because he was behind on his rent.

A message left with defense attorney Michael Steinle was not immediately returned.

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